Qualcomm says we’ll see 30 5G-supported devices in 2019

Qualcomm is renowned for its processing chips. At its CES 2019 keynote, the chipmaker expects to see 30 5G supported devices this year. Most of these are going to be smartphones, but we may see 5G connectivity in other gadgets too.

Its spokesperson said Qualcomm has won the majority of contracts with OEM’s looking to implement 5G in 2019. And companies such as Samsung are already on board. The South Korean smartphone manufacturer will rely on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X50 modem because it is better suited for the 2.5GHz spectrum. Meanwhile, the US-based T-Mobile will opt for Intel’s 5G mobile platform in 600MHz smartphones.

Local availability

In the UAE, we have seen interest to deploy 5G connectivity from both major carriers, Etisalat and du. At the GITEX Technology Week last year, Etisalat conducted the fastest 5G live trial globally, reaching speeds of 71Gbps. The carrier aims to equip the UAE with 5G by 2020. With operations running on a pre-commercial 5G site, Etisalat has already managed to clock download speeds above 70Gbps operating over e-band using 2GHz of bandwidth.

du is also gearing up for the launch of 5G this year. It predicts that two-thirds of the global population will be on 4G or 5G by 2025. And in preparation for the deployment, the carrier was one of the first in the UAE to perform a massive MIMO field trial.

Both Etisalat and du believe that the deployment of 5G will play a major role in enhancing virtual reality and augmented reality. It will help users access information faster. Or enable you to playback ultra-high definition video from anywhere. But most importantly, it will help you stay connected to your array of smart products like homes, cars and other gadgets.

With the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the UAE (TRA) already having assigned 5G frequencies to both carriers, the digital transformation is ongoing. And with 5G supported products from Qualcomm in tow, we may be able to benefit from them very soon.